A Shout-Out To Zuck!
by Stephen L Doherty
April 27th, 2025
“The power of community to enhance mental health is far greater
than any physician, clinic, or hospital.” –Dr. Mark Hyman
I had lunch today in Florida with a friend I know well … but had never met. I have had this same wonderful experience on dozens of occasions with many friends who all shared that same quality – being familiar acquaintances without having ever met. And the outcome is always the same. Fabulous conversation, wonderful chemistry, and always concluding with a great new friend for life. All as a result of Mark Zuckerberg’s incredible gift to humanity: FACEBOOK.
Is there an element of irony to this gracious gesture, given my dedication to and penchant for savaging this little bastard? Of COURSE there is! So much so that it makes writing this even more satisfying and entertaining if not somewhat bittersweet. Anyone who knows me and my love of paradox can appreciate the personal dilemma posed by praising someone I’d find equal pleasure in dropping out of an airplane. I could write this whole blog with adjectives related to “slimy” and “weasel.”
That said, I have a profound respect and appreciation for the value of mental health. I believe fervently that absent mental health – we have no health at all. I also believe that one of the cruelest ailments imaginable, afflicting any human being – is loneliness. Especially as we get older, one of life’s most debilitating conditions is the loss of community so many suffer due to poor health, death of friends and family, and a multitude of other circumstance that result in seclusion and disconnection.
To that end, at no time in history has the ability to experience virtually any measure of community we can conceive of, has existed more than now with the ingenious invention of Facebook and its ongoing evolution. I often suggest that, at its core – Facebook is a lot like Wilson, the neighbor in Home Improvement that Tim routinely talked to and confided in – over the fence, with only his upper face and head showing. Something friendly. Something familiar. Something always accessible. In short, a near perfect union of community and the millions of people seeking some manifestation of that comfortable friend across the fence. I also like the comparison of a local, if not digital, community square
Staying somewhat true to this paradoxical conundrum – I also believe that social media represents one of the most destructive and dangerous threats to mankind! Again, how great the irony? Much like nuclear energy – social media’s power for good and evil seems almost infinite – depending on intent and execution.
Despite its flaws, Facebook’s contribution to building new communities is undeniable. It has empowered people to connect beyond borders, amplify their voices, and find belonging in places they never expected to be welcomed. In a world where loneliness and isolation are growing concerns, Facebook has offered many a positive place to be a part of.
As digital spaces continue to evolve, Facebook’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of technology’s potential—not just to connect us, but to unite us in meaningful, lasting ways. I, for one, am beyond grateful that this community has afforded me so many opportunities to break bread, share stories, and solidify friendships with so many terrific people that I would have never gotten the chance to meet and know. Thank you, Mark Zuckerberg – we’re good.
“The best measure of mental health is the disposition
to find good everywhere.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson
